Mississippi Power commits $350,000 to community, small business relief during COVID-19 crisis

Gulfport, Miss. – Mississippi Power remains committed to delivering safe and reliable energy to our customers as the COVID-19 coronavirus continues to impact our state. The company has also recognized several community needs that have increased during the crisis, especially grocery supplies and assistance with household budgeting.

Mississippi Power, through its Foundation, is announcing today a $350,000 commitment to assist South Mississippi residents, local charities and small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our service to our customers goes far beyond providing electric service,” Mississippi Power President and CEO Anthony Wilson said. “We know families and small business owners are hurting right now and it’s our hope that this assistance will help them weather these trying times.”

The $350,000 will be dispersed via Mississippi Power’s Project Share and Community Connection programs:

• $200,000 for Small Businesses – Businesses with 50 employees or less are eligible for this new Project Share program distributed through Catholic Charities.
• $100,000 for Project Share – Distributed through Catholic Charities. Any Mississippi Power customer with a demonstrated financial need may be eligible to apply for Project SHARE by simply calling 1-855-847-0555.
• $50,000 for Local Charities – Food banks, non-violence and youth shelters, and other agencies that count on Community Connection donations to operate, especially during a crisis.

Mississippi Power also announced over the weekend that the company is suspending customer disconnections and will reevaluate the policy and timeframe of that process as the COVID-19 situation develops.

Mississippi Power continues to closely monitor the impact of COVID-19 and wants to reassure customers that the company has comprehensive plans and procedures in place to ensure a continuation of operations and service.

Proactive steps taken to prevent the spread of the illness and protect the safety and health of employees include:

• Cancelling facility tours and external meetings
• Increasing cleaning frequency at company locations
• Aggressively sanitizing work areas
• Cancelling all non-essential business travel – both domestic and international
• Asking employees to self-identify, if they have or plan to travel internationally
• Using technology for meetings
• Implementing telecommuting for those who can perform their duties remotely

The company has continuously been in coordination with the Mississippi Public Service Commission and has consistently communicated with its employees updates and prevention recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mississippi Power will continue to follow the latest developments from public health officials.

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and environmentally responsible energy for more than 188,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. With nearly 160 megawatts of approved solar energy capacity, Mississippi Power is the largest partner in providing renewable energy in the state of Mississippi. Visit our website at mississippipower.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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